Myron Ulczak

Myron (Ron) Ulczak passed away on May 17th, 2026. Ron was born in Bani Mazuriski, Poland, on March 27th, 1962 before coming to New Jersey with his family as a child. He grew up a strong part of the Ukranian community in Passaic, NJ before moving to Middletown, NJ where he spent most of his adult life.

As an all-around athlete, he was always passionate about sports; from playing basketball, to co-captaining his high-school soccer team, and later playing in adult recreational leagues. His passion for sports didn't stop at playing, he was an avid fan of the Knicks, Mets, and most importantly, the Miami Dolphins. He took great pride in his extensive memorabilia collection and was always chasing the latest talent & rookie cards.Ron graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and led an esteemed career as a skilled Executive Chef across New York City, Atlantic City, and Dallas. Starting his career in New York City, he spent two decades at the Intercontinental Hotel, where he won managerial accolades and in 2003 the Best of the Best Executive Chef award. Following the Intercontinental, he went on to the Warwick Hotel, Bally's in Atlantic City (where his perfect steak earned him a restaurant-wide standing ovation), before returning to NYC for the Omni Berkshire Place. Most recently, Ron worked at the the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. Ron was a mentor to his colleagues, and driven by his love of sports, always a team player.

Ron is survived by his daughters Madison Ulczak and Morgan Ulczak, soon to be son-in-law Ian Grover, the mother of his children, Jane Portnoff, his mother, Olga Ulczak, his siblings and their spouses, Theresa Ulczak, Zenon & Maryann Ulczak, Ella Ulczak & Brad Tirpak, Lesia & James Zimmer, many beloved nieces and nephews, his partner Diane Baranek, his furry best friend Gemma Ulczak, and many wonderful friends he made from all walks of life. He is predeceased by father Stefan Ulczak.

Anyone who knew Ron will remember him for his constant jokes and ability to make light of any situation. He had a talent for taking things just seriously enough when he had to, but never too seriously. As a professionally trained Chef, Ron loved a perfectly grilled T-Bone steak just as much as he loved his sweets (particularly dark chocolate peanut M&Ms, dark chocolate covered cherries, apple turnovers and frozen dark chocolate KitKat bars). We ask that you honor his memory by remembering the laughs and good meals you shared with him, especially the ones he made; by thinking of him when rooting for your favorite team or taking a walk on the beach. In lieu of flowers please send donations to causes deeply meaningful to him: The Dan Marino Foundation and ASPCA.